ALA AHMED
Vancouver
Summary
Dedicated research assistant proficient in in vivo mouse models, ensuring high standards of animal welfare and compliance with regulatory guidelines. Expertise in precise injection techniques, tumor measurements, and meticulous data management contribute to the integrity and success of cancer therapy studies. Strong organizational skills enhance laboratory efficiency and team collaboration.
Overview
1
1
Certification
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Animal Research Associate I
Zymeworks
Vancouver
02.2025 - 02.2026
- Applies preclinical in vivo mouse pharmacology models to enable translation of cancer therapies.
- Handled mice for various experimental procedures, ensuring proper care and welfare, including subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, and intravenous injections, tumor/bodyweight measurements, and blood and tissue collection.
- Prepares drugs using sterile BSL procedures for administration to mice.
- Thaws, prepares, and injects human immune cells via intravenous injection into mice.
- Conducts all activities in accordance with scientific standards, Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and OH&S regulations and established policies and practices.
- Performs mouse study-related administrative tasks including regulatory documentation and inputting scientific data records.
- Coordinates ex-vivo sample management including sample receipt/collection, organization, and archiving. Maintains complete and accurate records throughout the process.
- Maintains high levels of productivity, organization, and teamwork in the laboratory, including the use of inventory management systems.
- Documents detailed observations, variances methods, raw and analyzed data and results.
- Updated lab and vivarium inventory records, ensuring availability of necessary supplies for ongoing research.
- Fosters effective and collaborative working relationships with fellow employees and management.
- Mammalian tissue culture, including maintaining multiple tumor cell lines using sterile technique, and expanding, cryopreserving, and thawing cell lines.
Research Assistant / Animal Care Coordinator
Virogin
06.2023 - 10.2024
- Managed daily operations of animal care facilities, ensuring health monitoring and facility upkeep to maintain high standards of animal welfare.
- Ensured humane treatment and well-being of laboratory animals in compliance with regulatory guidelines.
- Trained and supervised staff in animal care best practices.
- Collaborated closely with researchers to support research studies, facilitating smooth operations and adherence to protocols.
- Developed emergency protocols to safeguard animal welfare and maintain integrity of research processes.
- Maintained meticulous records and prepared for regulatory inspections.
- Conducted inventory control to streamline lab efficiency.
- Served as an active member of the Animal Care Committee.
Research Assistant
Memorial University Of Newfoundland
09.2022 - 04.2023
- Analyzed data using statistical software to ensure research integrity and accuracy.
- Conducted meticulous blood and tissue collection processes to uphold the integrity of research data.
- Conducted literature reviews to support ongoing research projects at the university.
- Assisted faculty in preparing grant applications and research proposals.
Trainee Lab Assistant (Division of Biomedical Science)
Memorial University Of Newfoundland
10.2021 - 01.2023
- Supported principal investigator in laboratory tasks and daily operations by preparing experiments and managing supply orders.
- Assisted faculty in preparing course materials and classroom resources.
- Coordinated student events to enhance campus engagement and community building.
- Supported administrative tasks to streamline departmental workflows and processes.
Molecular and Cellular Genetics Research Assistant (Department of Biology)
Memorial University Of Newfoundland
09.2021 - 04.2022
- Supported M.Sc. and Ph.D. students and professor in molecular genetics and cell biology research laboratory, contributing to experimental design and data collection.
- Assisted in data collection and analysis for various studies.
- Conducted literature reviews to support faculty research projects.
- Organized and maintained research materials and documentation efficiently.
Customer Retention Specialist
SP Data Digital
07.2020 - 09.2020
- Resolved customer complaints quickly and efficiently to ensure satisfaction and retention.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with key customers to enhance customer loyalty.
- Updated customers on latest products to drive engagement and support sales growth.
Test Administrator
Memorial University Of Newfoundland
01.2020 - 05.2020
- Administered standardized tests following strict protocols and guidelines.
- Invigilated examinations, addressed candidate queries and managed examination irregularities per strict procedures to ensure compliance and fairness.
- Ensured compliance with testing regulations and maintained security of materials.
- Coordinated test schedules and communicated details to participants effectively.
- Assisted in setting up examination venues by organizing stationery, equipment, and examination papers according to outlined procedures for smooth operations.
Corporate Sales Executive
Prometric
07.2016 - 04.2017
- Developed and improved relationships with key clients, fostering service excellence and client loyalty.
- Collaborated with clients to assess business needs and provide tailored solutions.
- Developed comprehensive sales presentations to showcase service offerings effectively.
- Coordinated activities and operations of sales department to enhance team effectiveness.
Test Coordinator
Prometric
07.2016 - 04.2017
- Ensured compliance of all test administration with education policies, regulations, and standards to uphold integrity and reliability.
- Coordinated standardized group and individual test administration to ensure effective and accurate testing processes.
- Maintained confidentiality of testing materials and results to protect sensitive information and uphold ethical standards.
Education
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - BS - BIOLOGY FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONS, MINOR PSYCHOLOGY
Memorial University Of Newfoundland
St. John’s, NLSt. John’s, NL
Skills
- In vivo pharmacology
- Mouse tumour models
- Oncology, autoimmune diseases studies
- Drug formulation
- Animal compliance
- CCAC compliance
- Regulatory compliance
- Laboratory safety compliance
- Experimental planning
- Data analytics
- Observation documentation
- Sample management
- Data organization
- Lab organization
- Preparation organization
- Supply chain management
- Team collaboration
- Team coordination
- Attention to detail
Languages
- English
- Urdu
- Hindi
- Arabic
Certification
- HMX FUNDAMENTAL - Pharmacology
- GCP for clinical trials - CITI PROGRAM
- UBC certifications - CCAC, CHEMICAL SAFETY, ANESTHESIA, BIOSAFETY, HANDLING, RODENT RESTRAINT, TAIL VEIN INJECTION, IWRR, TDGG 6.2
Timeline
Animal Research Associate I
Zymeworks
02.2025 - 02.2026
Research Assistant / Animal Care Coordinator
Virogin
06.2023 - 10.2024
Research Assistant
Memorial University Of Newfoundland
09.2022 - 04.2023
Trainee Lab Assistant (Division of Biomedical Science)
Memorial University Of Newfoundland
10.2021 - 01.2023
Molecular and Cellular Genetics Research Assistant (Department of Biology)
Memorial University Of Newfoundland
09.2021 - 04.2022
Customer Retention Specialist
SP Data Digital
07.2020 - 09.2020
Test Administrator
Memorial University Of Newfoundland
01.2020 - 05.2020
Corporate Sales Executive
Prometric
07.2016 - 04.2017
Test Coordinator
Prometric
07.2016 - 04.2017
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - BS - BIOLOGY FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONS, MINOR PSYCHOLOGY
Memorial University Of Newfoundland